Thibodeau appointed to Legislature

Sen. Theresa Thibodeau of Omaha was sworn in Oct. 19 to represent District 6 in the Nebraska Legislature. Thibodeau will complete the final year of the term left vacant by the resignation of Sen. Joni Craighead last month.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the appointment at a press conference. He said Thibodeau, who owns a preschool in La Vista, has a long history of community involvement and leadership.

“That kind of experience in the real world – of having to run a business – is exactly the kind of experience that we want in the Legislature,” Ricketts said.

Thibodeau earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She and husband Joseph, a cardiologist, have three children: Anna, Joey and Eleanor. Thibodeau said her time in the Legislature will focus on building a brighter future for all Nebraskans.

“I know there are some tough decisions ahead,” she said. “However, in these challenges are opportunities to build on all of the great things and progress that we have already made.”

Thibodeau was sworn in by Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Her term begins immediately and will end in January 2019. She is eligible to run for election to the seat in the November 2018 general election.